How long does it take to become a real estate broker?

Typically no schooling after high school, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do real estate brokers make?

The US median is $73,220 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a real estate broker?

No. Most people are hired and trained on the job; a program is optional.

Where can you train to become a real estate broker?

210 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a real estate broker

Sales · SOC 41-9021

$73,220US median pay, 2025

+0.8%Projected growth, 2025–35

7,800Openings per year

On the jobUsual way in

How you get in

Most people are hired and trained on the job, so school is optional. A program can still help you stand out.

High school diploma or equivalent (a program is optional for this job)
Less than 5 years of experience in a related job
Work as a real estate broker

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Real Estate	CIP 52.1501	197
Real Estate Development	CIP 04.1001	16

See the 210 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a real estate broker?: Typically no schooling after high school, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do real estate brokers make?: The US median is $73,220 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a real estate broker?: No. Most people are hired and trained on the job; a program is optional.
Where can you train to become a real estate broker?: 210 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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